The Integrated Maths Modules provide the
opportunity for students to work cooperatively - what
does this mean and how does it work?
Because of the student centred nature of
the modules the learning environment is suited to grouping
students in threes or fours and allowing them to work
cooperatively or independently as the need arises. This provides
the opportunity for discussion and peer mentoring to take place
between students which improves understanding and the development
of appropriate language. In a teacher centred classroom it can be
difficult to allow students to work together and move freely
between independent and cooperative work, as this can interrupt
the teacher's control of the lesson.
The five key elements of effective cooperative
learning and how we can facilitate these are:
-
Positive interdependence - make the common goal
that of all group members learning as much as possible from
their time together - reinforce the benefits of this happening
and demonstrate how they can make it work for them.
-
Individual accountability - all members must
complete all tasks and develop their own understandings - ensure
that students check their understandings with other group
members as they proceed.
-
Face to face interaction - by sitting students
in groups you are providing them the opportunity to work with
other students in learning.
-
Social skills - although it is natural for humans
to learn in a social environment the skills required to do this
effectively must be taught. Take on this responsibility,
hopefully with the rest of the school, to teach students how to
work in groups - taking turns, encouraging, checking
understanding etc.
-
Processing - reflect on the progress and
achievement of the group as a whole - reward groups functioning
well and demonstrate the value of working together.
In mathematics there are not too many opportunities
for collaboration with students taking on roles such as recorder
etc. Other aspects of Cooperative Learning are also not totally
suited to our learning environment and content. However, it is
important for us to take from what is known about Cooperative
Learning, the parts that suit our teaching and learning. It is
this adaptation of aspects of modern learning theory to our
mathematics classroom, by mathematics teachers, that will ensure
the learning environment we create maximises student learning.
Some hints about setting up groups from what I have
experienced and read are:
-
Set up groups of three or four for maximum
benefit
-
Choose group members yourself to optimise the
learning
-
Reform your groups about every five weeks based
on what you have seen
-
Teach students the "group skills" necessary for
this to succeed
The best resource I have found on Cooperative
Learning is "Where Heart Meets Mind" by Bennett, Rolheiser and
Stevahn. It is available from the State School Teachers Union of
WA at this link: